The Side Project

As you plan on a new career, you may consider working for yourself … you wonder if you can make money from an internet business or another business idea.

One great way to get started, and minimise the risk is a side project.

The side project is probably a means of making money but it doesn’t have to be. It could be a commitment to learn Spanish, to play the ukulele, learn to create Apps or to be active in a book club and these may lead on to skills development but could lead to an income source or even a job. But let’s focus on ways to get more money 🙂

You may have just one idea, or be like me and have many.

The best way to be successful is to choose just one, otherwise you will have too many competing demands and will never get started. So if you have a number you are considering write them all down and choose just one for now. It can be hard if your brain is buzzing with ideas, but you will spread yourself far too thin if you are covering more than one you need to focus! You still have your list and you can return to this list later.

Decide how much time you can allocate.

Will you have 5 hours a week, more/less? Probably 5 hours is the minimum to make significant progress. Less is probably fine for a hobby, but if you want to get a side business on the go you will probably need at least the equivalent of an hour a day.

What do you want to do?

1 – A blog?
Many people start with a blog and then look for ways to monetise it. Maybe before even making a blog live it’s worth writing 5 or 10 posts so you have some ready for those busy times.  And think of the commitment, decide on a schedule and keep to it.
A daily blog entry could be a real stretch but once a week will be doable. Think of a topic that interests you. You don’t need to be an expert right now, but after 6 months of research and writing you will be on your way to expert status. Imagine that! This could lead onto an eBook that you can sell or at the very least to raise your profile.
2- Video project?
Less keen on writing but still have plenty to say, why not start a vlog (video blog). Look at You Tube for inspiration. You could, for example,  show people how to correctly apply their makeup or tips to get people to use a computer software programme more effectively.
Create videos on what people are interested in and you will get subscribers, and later you may be able to sell them an eBook, or make money from ads, or use this as an example of what you can do to enhance an application.
3 – Podcast?
If you like to talk create a talk or interview, record it and sell it.
4 – Provide expert help
There’s many people who live near you who need help – to use computer software, to learn to knit, to get a Twitter account up and going. You can advertise locally and charge by the hour and let all your friends know exactly what you can offer.  Don’t forget to tell he people from your church, gym, people you meet in the supermarket queue, everyone.
5 – Offer a service
Dog walking, plant watering, pet sitting, cake making … and if you want more ideas request a copy of my leaflet – When you need a job fast
Want to read more and get excited … Nick Loper has a great freebie with highly recommended books – I’ve read at least half of them! You can sign up and get the leaflet/ebook at http://www.SideHustleNation.com

 And you can access this as a downloadable PDF – http://bit.ly/14I4bja